Last year, Audi won the constructors title in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters or DTM, a touring car racing series held in Germany and some regions around Europe. With that said, the carmaker is aiming to defend that title with its latest RS 5 DTM challenger which it recently unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
Based on the new RS 5 coupe production model, the RS 5 DTM racecar boasts an aggressive demeanor while retaining some of the former’s basic design and structure. Up front, it features a DTM-spec bumper with splitters, air inlets, canard wings on each side, and a chin spoiler.
The rear part, on the other hand, has a revised rear wheel arch angle. The specification bumper is also fitted with diffusers and a rear wing which now has 2 flaps just like in this year’s Formula 1 cars.
While these aero designs make the RS 5 DTM look fearsome and feel stable at speed, the racecar’s downforce has been reduced. Its ride height has been raised a bit and the geometries of its splitters and diffusers have been re-angled, requiring drivers to put more effort into controlling the machine. Moreover, its suspension system was also reworked. The reason for all these changes is due to DTM’s stricter regulation this year that emphasizes a more challenging experience for the drivers.
To compensate the reduced aerodynamic downforce, the racecar will ride on a set of softer, grippier Hankook tires. Its 4.0L V8 engine also exerts well above 500 hp, a power output that’s more potent than last year’s machine.
“The new DTM regulations reflect a major effort aimed at achieving further cost reductions while enhancing the sport and making the cars more attractive. These are exciting times for the DTM. We have more power, softer tires and less downforce. Combined with the best drivers, we expect to see even more thrilling racing,” said Audi Motorsport Head Dieter Gass.
The 2017 DTM series will mark its opening round on May 5 at Hockenheim in Germany.
